Diving with the SEABEAR H3
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SEABEAR H3
7.2
SEABEAR H3 decompression model
The SEABEAR H3 calculates no decompression times and decompression stops, depth
and duration with a mathematical decompression model, which estimates the inert gas
uptake and release during diving. The decompression model in the SEABEAR H3 uses the
Buelhmann ZH-L16C dataset. The model uses 16 hypothetical compartments for Nitrogen
to estimate the inert gas loadings of the tissues of the body during a dive. In case the
SEABEAR H3 is enabled also for TRIMIX diving, additional 16 hypothetical compartments
are used to estimate the Helium gas loadings.
The popular gradient factor (GF) concept allows customization of the algorithm. The
gradient factor concept allows reducing the maximum allowable compartment gas loading
to a percentage of the maximum allowable loading according to the original Buehlmann ZH-
L16 model. In other words, a gradient factor below 100, results in shorter no
decompression times, longer decompression schedules and is more conservative than the
original algorithm.
There are two gradient factors. Gradient Factor High (GF High) limits the maximum
allowable compartment tissue on the surface. Gradient Factor Low is only relevant for
decompression diving. It reduces the maximum allowable compartment gas loading at
depth. A short GF Low setting results in deeper decompression stops.